It was an adventure and one of those 26 or 27 hour awake days, but we are home now and back into our routine. …. planning our next trips! Stay tuned for the next chapters!
We have a delightful, creative friend, Henry Ratz, who created this for us!! Enjoy his humor ….. and don’t hold your breathe for tickets!
Our last full day in Israel, in Galilee, we spent an hour on the sea! Our boat ride onto the lake gave a little time to see what the fishermen and Jesus would have seen on a typical sunny morning, the coastline of Capereum and the Mount where Jesus preached and taught. Most of the 3 years of his earthly ministry was here In Galilee.
We took our boat ride out of the Kibbutz Ginossar, the place I stayed on my last trip in about 1993! A fishing boat from Jesus time had been found after several years of drought in 1986 and at the time of my visit was in a preservation process. Today, it’s preserved and on display! This was a highlight for me!
We visited the place where a natural semi circular hillside would have been a natural theater for His Sermon on the Mount. The catholic church of the Beatitudes sits above it.
Ruins of Caperneum have been positively identified by the family name Zebedee, carved on a pillar there! Remember, James and John, the sons of Zebedee were 2 of the fishermen disciples of Jesus. We saw the house where Peter lived, where Jesus stayed when he was in Capereum and we saw the synagogue where we know He preached! Everywhere you looked today, you can see the places where Jesus and the disciples have been.
We also went to the top and the bottom of Mount Arbel, overlooking the sea on 1 side and Wadi Haram on the other, the pass between 2 peaks where there is a natural trail. We even walked a portion of the that trail, the Jesus walk, the trail where He would have walked when he left Nazareth and came to Galilee. From the peak, The views of the Lake and all around Galilee were breathtaking! From the bottom we could see the caves where rebels hid from the Romans in the rebellion.
But as usual, even great things come to an end. Our group flies home tonight, we do in the morning. God has given us a wonderful trip and we will remember this experience forever.
For more photos. https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Our-last-day-in-Galilee-
Today was a mix of Biblical sites and Israeli national sites. The government has done a great job creating national parks at all kinds of sites.
Our first stop, very close to the Lebanon border, is 1 of the 3 origins of the Jordan River at the Tel Dan. This site was already a settlement for 900 years,  when Jeraboam took the 10 northern tribes to form the northern kingdom some 2950 years ago! We learned about the sin of Jeraboam in trying to change the rules of Judiasm and how that has not fared well for the tribe of Dan.Â
We visited then Caesarea Philipi at the 2nd source of the Jordan, the Hermon Spring. It is a place also where there was worship of Greek gods and Temples to Pan and Zeus. Biblically it is very significant because it was here that the disciples recognized Jesus as the Christ, not just as a prophet like Elijah, but they still didn’t understand fully his mission.
Our lunch was in a Druze restaurant, (a delicious large size falafel) in a Druze village. This is a sect about 1000 years old, a break off of Islam, with some different views, but accepted by both sides. Many of them appreciate Israeli democracy and even volunteer to serve.
Our guide, Avi is a war veteran and was captain of a group fighting the Syrians on the Yom Kippur war. He took us after lunch to Mt. Bental, an extinct volcano, with an outpost on the Syrian Border where the Yom Kippur war started. He explained the problem there and how the battle was first lost but the war was won. Took 19 days…. 2 weeks longer than the 6 days war!
Our last stop, and surprise was to meet Kurt’s partner in Israel, setting up these tours. He is a young Swiss man with a Dutch wife and 3 small boys, who, as a Christian, wanted to live in Israel and live his Christian faith in a useful way. When our President Trump encouraged Israel to finally open Golan Heights to development, money became available for settlers to open a Kibbutz community where you can start your own business, a slightly different, new concept from the original but an exciting development for this young family. And added treat, beside the ice cream break, was the view of the Sea of Galilee from the eastern side! we drove completely around the Sea of Galilee today.
More photos are up at https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Golan-Heights
Today we visited a site important to Judiasm, Seppora or Zippora, ancient capital of Galilee, not mentioned in the Bible but possible the home of Jesus grandparents, and possibly where Joseph worked. The magnificent mosaic floors show the wealth of the community.
We traveled then to Mount Carmel and heard the stories again of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah challenged the prophets to call on their god to light the fires under their sacrifices, but all day they called and their gods did not answer…. no fire! But Elijah called for water to be poured on his sacrifice, alter, and all the wood, not once but 3 times. He flooded it! And God answered Elijah’s prayer and sent fire from heaven. It it lapped up all the water and consumed the alter, sacrifice and burned everything! A bonus of visiting the top, of course, is the view of Armageddon, our 2nd angle.
We traveled next to the Mediterranean Sea, to Caesarea, where we learned the story of Herod’s life. He was paranoid and killed his wife and 2 sons thinking they were trying to replace him. His grandiose plans for that first Deepwater port were amazing and what remains of the city dedicated to Caesar are still evident.
On our way back to Tiberias we visited Mount Precipice, perhaps not the exact place, but a representative location near Nazareth, where Jesus may have been threatened by his on hometown people with blasphemy and was to be thrown off the cliff.  It is a 3rd location to see the Valley of Armageddon and to be amazed by how immence it is!  You can see the old city of Nazareth from there and the church of the Annunciation, celebrating Mary’s message from the angel that she would bear the Messiah.
https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Zippers-Mount-Carmel-Caesarea-and-Mount-Precipice-
We change hotels today, moving from Jerusalem to Galilee, but this land is so full of sites from iniquity we saw several. Our first site was a drive by, as we need to travel thru the West Bank today. We saw life on the west Bank in Jericho, and drove by the ancient ruins of the oldest city on earth! It is the first city taken by the Israelites when they returned from exile in Egypt.
We then traveled north along the Jordanian border, along the electronic security fence. We learned a little about the issues and problems between Israel and its Arab neighbors and the Arabs that live within the Israeli borders. 25% of Israeli citizens are Arab Muslim and chose to live there. This doesn’t include the West Bank or Gaza. Those 2 places have autonomy, run their own affairs, have their own Healthcare and schools and live as they choose…. as long as they don’t raise an army or weapons and disturb Israel. Israel provides security. Arabs in those 2 areas who want to work in Israeli jobs must keep a record clean of any terrorism. They can make 5 to 7 times as much money per day there, so there is incentive to be peaceful. 2 of the 4 Arab countries surrounding Israel have made a peace agreement with them and know the value of being an ally with Israel.
We travel on to visit two ruins and the Spring of Gideon. We saw Beit She’an, where Saul and his 3 sons died, and Tel Megiddo, overlooking the valley of Armageddon. Mt Carmel, Mt Moreh, Mt Precipice, Nazareth, are all surrounding this immence flat plain, where the final battle between good and evil will be fought!
Our last stop was to give all those wishing to be Baptized in the Jordan River the opportunity. Since I had the experience in 1978, I know how meaningful that can be!
The next 3 nights we are in Tiberias in Galile. For more pictures https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Jerusalem-to-Galilee-
We had a long day out of the city of Jerusalem today to the east and the dead sea. It is the shabbat so much in the city is closed anyway.
Our first adventure was hiking Ein Gedi to the falls, the springs where David and his men hid from Saul. The trail was hard and in places could be slippery but we all made it with no mishaps. The falls were refreshing, but we only wet our feet.
We traveled on to Masada for the story of the Jewish rebels, told by Josephus in his record of the Jewish war.  The revolt against Roman rule began in earnest in 66 AD. The Romans burned the 2nd temple and Jerusalem was destroyed totally in 70 AD. For 3 more years, the last remnants, almost a thousand men, women and children, survive atop the mountain among the ruins of the old Herodian winter Palace. In 73, with a Roman Legion, 8000 men under Flavias Silvas bearing down on fortification, the remnant has to admit defeat.  The wall was breached and the next morning all face rape, murder, and slavery. This remnant decided to kill their wives and children, cast lots for the last to survive and take the lives of the rest, then fall on his sword.  A few widows and children lived to retell the tale.Â
After lunch on Qumran, we visited that archeological site. Where in 1947, 2 beduin shepards, young boys, threw a rock into a cave and broke a jar containing leather scrolls. They thought they scored new sandals and took the leather to a shoemaker in Bethlehem who realized the value and just paid the boys off. The remnants of the scrolls now reside in the Shrine of the Book we visited yesterday, and they are studied and preserved there. Parts of All the books of the old testament are there except Esther. Unfortunately, when the Romans destroyed the settlement of Qumran and drove the inhabitants out, perhaps to Masada, they destroyed the scrolls they found in 1 cave, the closest 1 to the settlement. Half the scrolls were destroyed in their attack but they missed the rest of the other caves, 12 in number. The entire book of Isaiah was found pretty much intact! The manuscript is virtually identical to today’s, written 200 years BEFORE Christ, validating today’s scripture and the prophesy of Isaiah about the Messiah. This group MAY have been early believers as their teachings are quite Christian.
Our last stop, for those who have never done it, a float in the Dead Sea. Watch for photos at https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Ein-Gedi-Masada-and-Qumran
Our adventure today began at the church of St Anne and the Bethesda pools. This is at or near the place of Jesus’s trial, Antonia Fortress, or Praetorium. Today it is built over by 2000 years of life in Jerusalem, however the location are marked as the stations of the cross 1 to 9. Numbers 10-14 are in the church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Walking the possible route he had to take those last minutes of his life and seeing the location of the Rock called Golgotha bring his suffering into focus. However the buildings constructed since such as the church, built in the 4th century by Helen, mother of Constantine cover over the natural features. But because Christians living at the time kept the stories and locations in their hearts and shared them with their children and grandchildren, it is believed they are the true locations.
After the visit along the via Delarosa and church, we traveled to the Israel Museum to see a1st century model of the city. This was built to depict Jerusalem within 70 years of Christ’s life so you can clearly see the praetorium, Antonio’s Fortress, what he was judged, the Rock called Golgotha, as well as other places where he was that night of His betrayal.
Also at this museum, is the Shrine of the Book, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls (but photography is forbidden there) the top of the museum is built like one of the jars where they were stored.
We ended our day near the Valley of Elah, where the boy David slew Goliath with a Rock from the brook. For more photos, go to
https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Via-Delarosa-Israel-museum–and-Valley-of-Elah
Today, by rising and leaving early, we were among the first groups to visit the Temple Mount. This is the flattened top of Mount Moriah, whether the Dome of the Rock now sits. It is where the Temples of Israel were built. We talked about it yesterday when we saw it from the Mount of Olives. Because this area is now controlled by the Muslims, access is limited. We were able to see the opposite side of the Golden Gate, sealed for now, but Jesus will return thru that gate, with those believers who have died in Christ.
From there we visited the Garden Tomb, a location just outside the wall which holds a rock that appears like a skull, and an ancient tomb. While neither of these are probably actually the true places of Christ’s death and resurrection, it gives us the idea of what it might have been like. We sang hymns there and reflected on what Jesus did for us when he died and paid the price for our sins.
We went back to the Dung gate, where we entered the temple mound and entered to area of the wailing wall, at the western side of the temple mount. Since the Jews have returned, they have excavated underground and have exposed a lot of the western wall thru tunnels where the old road was.
We returned to the bus via the old city via Delarosa and traveled to a location near Bethlehem in the West Bank. We were in Palestinian territory. After a pita lunch with grilled chicken and lamb in a local restaurant, we visited a location there, just outside Bethlehem, which shows us what the life of a Shepard would have been like. We remembered all the mentions of Bethlehem in scripture, from Rachel, Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, to David’s family lineage right up to Jesus birth. All those ancestors worked the fields here, as farmers or shepards.
The local population of this small town is about 35% Christian, unlike Bethlehem, now just 10% believers. We skipped the church of the nativity, which may, or may not be on the accurate location. But this Shepard’s Fields location gives you a much better feel for what it was like!
Of course , there must be some shopping time, so we visited the wood carving business of the local Christian families. Their olive wood nativities, sculptures, and plaques were expertly done. We all like supporting local small business, and they were glad to see us.
Our photos from the day are here. https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Temple-Mount-and-Shepards-Field
Update: Shalom from Jerusalem
On our health, I felt good enough for breakfast, and to start on the morning sightseeing the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane. Did ok til noon, then faded, so Emmett got me a cab back to hotel. Not 100% yet, but I will get there. May do the half day again tomorrow. I really think I just missed my afternoon naps!😅
Our day began at the top of the Mount of Olives where you have this iconic and stunning view of old Jerusalem. We have an excellent guide, Avi, who have us the lay of the land and pointed out the landmarks. Our Pastor Guide Kurt has given us great Biblical insight and background on the events that happened there, and will continue at each important sight.
From here the Dome of the Rock dominates, built over the top of Mt Moriah, the site where Abraham, in obedience to God, brought Issac to be slain, a great testament to his faith. (Spoiler alert: God approved of his obedience and spared Issac, in case you don’t know the story. ) It is on this site that Solomon built his temple and the 2nd temple was constructed after the Babylonian destruction of the 1st. The 2nd was destroyed by the Roman’s in 70 AD. Today it is called the Temple Mount and is a Muslim Holy site, where they say Mohammad ascended.
We also see the Grey Dome to the left of the Dome, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We visit there tomorrow. The Eastern or Golden Gate, the Gate the Lord will return thru was sealed by the Sultan Suliman the Magnificent in the 13th century, to prevent the Lord’s return. ( he didn’t know much about the Lord’s return, obviously, if he thought THAT would keep Him from returning) .
We walk thru the area of the Garden of Gethsemane. There are 24 chapels for every event in Biblical History on this Mount. As you move down the Mount of Olives, we move thru the last week of Christ’s life. We walked today where Jesus walked, literally. We walked down the Palm Sunday road, the route Jesus took on the Donkey triumphantly entering into the city of Jerusalem. We visited chapels where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Dominus Flavit, Gethsemane, the olive Grove, and a garden where Jesus prayed and where the disciples slept while he prayed on the night he was betrayed.
We then traveled to Mount Zion, across the Kidron Valley, along the way Jesus was taken by the soldiers, for trial at the home of the High Priest, Caiaphas. This is the place that Peter denied Christ 3 times before the cock crowed. St Peter in Gallicantu chapel, a modern Chapel is built over the ruins of what may be the high priest’s home. There is a pit there, possible the pit where Jesus was placed for some hours the night of His arrest. We sang there and read a scripture. There is a first century stairway there, certainly traveled by Jesus between Kidron Valley and Moint Zion.
My energy was fading, so I took a taxi back to the hotel for a bowl of soup, some jello ( thank you to my sweet honey) . The group, along with Emmett went on into the Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem and on with the itinerary.
More pictures of this morning’s adventure are posted here
https://susandemaggio.smugmug.com/Mount-of-Olives–
For most of 5 days I have down with an intestinal bug… I mean really down. Emmett has taken care of me with Gatorade and water and some pills, (mine weren’t working) altho I haven’t been able to eat anything of substance since Friday morning. As bad as I felt this morning, we had to vacate our BnB in Tel Aviv and make the trip too Jerusalem. NO PROBLEM, if you are well! We did it on Thursday. However when you are having episodes of explosive diarrhea and debilitating cramps, the prospect was frightening. Almost paralyzing. But we prepped….. 2 extra pair of undies, extra shorts, a roll of tp, 3 antidiuretic pills in my stomach, and many fervent prayers and we set out.
There were always taxis by our hotel but when we needed 1 we found out they just have coffee next door! And NOONE wanted to take us to the Tel Aviv train station. 4 empty cabs said no! Soooooo, the bus was how we went on Thursday, it was now our only choice. The hotel even refused to call a cab for us! Luckily we have ridden the bus system, knew how to use it and had money on one bus card.
At the bus station we needed to add money to our second card to take the train. But we figured that out using 1 of the machines….. only to find the trains all delayed.
We arrived in Jerusalem with no mishaps! Thanking GOD every minute for no cramps, no diarrhea! Cabs were across the light rail tracks and Emmett got the bags to a cab which took us to the Dan Jerusalem hotel….. which didn’t have our names or the name of our tour group! Lovely!
We would still be sitting in that lobby waiting for the group to arrive if our Pastor hadn’t written a note to say meet us for dinner at 6, and we said we were in the lobby. He asked what hotel when we told him they don’t have our names. He gave us the name of the new hotel and The Dan called another cab for us.
We are finally at the new hotel, in our room….. obviously not the Dan. But the prayers and the 3 pink pills got me this far. The restaurant here made me a scrambled egg, so I had my first solid food in a couple days, which has gone down, so far without cramps! I’m feeling better and Emmett has gone for more Gatorade and water. Pray for us, as he is now experiencing some of my symptoms, and we are both taking the medication.  I hope we caught it early for him. Â
The saga continues…
The Joys of Retirement Production Company 